Measles case confirmed on Long Island: officials
NASSAU COUNTY, N.Y. (PIX11) – A case of measles has been confirmed on Long Island, health officials announced Saturday.
An unvaccinated child in Nassau County was diagnosed with measles, according to the county’s health department. Authorities didn’t say where in Nassau County the child lives.
“Nassau County Department of Health is closely investigating potential exposures and taking the necessary proactive steps to prevent the spread of measles,” Health Commissioner Dr. Irina Gelman said in a statement.
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus spread by direct contact with “nasal or throat secretions” of infected people, according to the Nassau County Department of Health.
People with measles first develop a fever, then may get a cough, runny nose and watery eyes, followed by the appearance of a rash, according to health officials.
“People are considered infectious from four days before to four days after the appearance of the rash. Symptoms usually appear 10-12 days after exposure but may appear as early as seven days and as late as 21 days after exposure,” a news release from the Nassau County Department of Health said.
Health officials said the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine is the best way to protect against the disease.
The Nassau County case is the third in the state this year, according to the New York State Department of Health. It's the state's first case outside of New York City in 2024, officials said.
Finn Hoogensen is a digital journalist who has covered local news for more than five years. He has been with PIX11 News since 2022. See more of his work here.